A roof is a major investment, but with the right shingles, it can last decades. Whether you’re a roofer or a homeowner choosing shingles for 2024 and beyond, our 9th Annual Shingle Guide has you covered.

This year our product tests were filmed at Eustis Roofing in Florida. Contractors from across the county participated in the event and gave real-time feedback. Three major manufacturers were also in attendance (shoutout to the reps from IKO, TAMKO, and ATLAS).

Before we dive into the scores, here’s what you need to know:

Do Manufacturers Pay Roofing Insights To Review Their Products?

The quick answer: NO.

Sponsorships do support Roofing Insights content, and we are grateful for them! While several manufacturers have sponsored our content in the past, we are not under contract to recommend
them or favorably speak about them. Our mission is to help roofers and homeowners make decisions with accurate, unbiased information you can’t find anywhere else!
What Do The Scores Mean?

We use a scale similar to the wine ratings system. Scores range from 50-100; the more points the better. All the products in this video are at the top of the list, with scores between 89 and 97.

Rating Scale

95 – 100 Exceptional Quality
92 – 94 Outstanding Quality
89 – 91 Builder’s Grade
50 – 88 Not Recommended
Rating Factors

We look at many factors to assign scores, including shingle size, weight, nail zone, sealing strip, granule loss, packaging, and roofer feedback.

There is one very important disclaimer when it comes to our ratings: your roof is only as good as the team who installed it! If you hire a contractor who does a poor installation with an exceptional quality shingle, it may still fail.

If you want to find top-rated contractors who are pre-screened with a background check and a credit check, look no further than Directorii.

That being said, here are the make-or-break factors when it comes to shingle quality:

Weight

Heavier and thicker shingles are considered better because of their ability to better withstand the elements. A heavier shingle will be less likely to lift up from wind or get damaged by hail and other impacts.

Size

Shingle sizes play a key role in both the installation process and the overall quality of a roof.

Larger shingles cover more surface area with fewer pieces, making installation faster. Their weight can also make them more durable. However, they may demand greater expertise for proper installation.

Nail Zone

The nail zone is where roofers attach the shingles to the roof. Some manufacturers design this zone to be user-friendly, while others make it more complex. A well-defined nail zone simplifies installation, making it easier to achieve a high-quality roof.

Sealing Strip

Shingle sealing strips are crucial to a roof’s wind resistance. They help keep shingles from lifting up, preventing wind damage and keeping moisture out.

Granule Loss

Granules help protect a roof from water and UV damage. A shingle that loses granules more easily will not last as long. Those stray granules also tend to clog gutters, requiring more
maintenance and repairs over time.

Packaging

Packaging is important because it protects the shingle as it is being transported to a job site. If packaging breaks and moisture gets in, the shingle quality can be adversely affected. This can also add on costs for the homeowner if shingles need to be reordered.

Final Scores

Note: products are listed from lowest to highest rating. For tied scores, products are listed alphabetically.